Knights of Columbus chaplain dies at 84

Father John Raymond Whitley, C.S.B., 84, of Houston died peacefully on Sunday, June 24, 2012 after a short illness.

The Rev. John 'Jack' Whitley, a Catholic priest for nearly 60 years, died on Sunday. He was 84.

A native of Rochester, N.Y., Whitley also lived in Canada, Michigan, Indiana and Houston, serving as an educator in six Catholic high schools and universities.

In 1951, he taught Latin and science at St. Thomas High School in Memorial. He became an ordained priest at St. Basil's Church of Toronto in 1954.

He raised funds for missions and needy people while serving as the Director of the Basilian Father's Mission Center from 1989 until 2006.

"I travel all over the country making appeals for our missions in Latin America that serve the poorest of the poor," he said of his position in the July/August 2003 edition of Lay Witness Magazine.

'Compassionate man'

Those who knew him well praised his character and his heart for people.

"Father Jack was a compassionate man who always put others before himself. He was complimentary of others as he expressed their strong points, instead of complaining of their weaknesses," said Tony Herreth, state deputy y of the Texas Knights of Columbus, who described Whitley as the Energizer Bunny.

He was involved in the Knights of Columbus, where he acted as chaplain, friar and father prior for many councils and chapters throughout Houston, including the Knights' University of Saint Thomas Aquinas Council chapter.

"Father Jack loved the young adults. He always told me how the students at the UST College Council were so full of energy and fresh ideas, which made him feel younger," Herreth said.

One fellow Knight described him as "one of the finest men, one of the most devoted and noblest Knight of Columbus; and, most importantly, one of the most blessed, holy, and pious priest I have ever known. He gave generously of his time to all. Even after a major car accident that would have side-lined a lesser man, he still kept busy with his many activities," said Jim Godlove.

Irish family tradition

Whitley's Catholic inspiration came from his Irish grandparents, family tradition and high school educators.

He said to Lay Witness Magazine that "family prayer was very important. I can remember from the earliest days, my father down on his knees at night saying his prayers before he went to bed."

He was fascinated by his high school educators, whom he described as "rugged" Canadians.

"In the classroom, they were tyrants-very rigid disciplinarians, expecting a lot from you. And somehow or other, you gave it to them. I said, 'One day, I would like to be one of them.' "

He is survived by his sisters, Jeanne Dailey of Stamford, Conn., and Sister Nancy Whitley of Rochester, N.Y.; nephews and a niece.